Picasso's War

The Destruction of Guernica and the Masterpiece that Changed the World

By: Russell Martin

Narrated by: Oliver Wyman

From best selling author Russell Martin comes a stirring account of the town that inspired one of the world's most celebrated and controversial works of art, the painting Guernica's profound impact on the politics and culture of the 20th century, and the artist whose passion and artistic vision are unequaled in modern history.

On April 26, 1937 the German Luftwaffe began relentless bombing and machine-gunning of businesses, homes and villages to test a new type of warfare waged from the air, at the request of General Francisco Franco and his rebel forces. Three and a half hours later, the village lay in ruins, its population decimated. This act of terror and unspeakable cruelty - the first intentional, large-scale attack against a nonmilitary target in modern warfare - outraged the world, and compelled a Spanish painter to respond with artistic fury. Pablo Picasso, an expatriate living in Paris, reacted immediately to the devastation in his homeland by beginning work on the canvas that would become his testament against the horrors of war.

Weaving themes of conflict and redemption, doom and transcendence, and featuring some of the century's most memorable and infamous figures, Martin follows this renowned masterwork from its creation through its journey across decades, from many countries of Europe to America and finally and triumphantly to Spain. Picasso's War is a book that vividly demonstrates how vital art is to human lives and how sometimes it even transfigures tragedy, a story that delivers an unforgettable portrait of an artistic genius whose visionary rendering of the terrible wounds of war still resonates profoundly today.

©2002 Russell Martin (P)2002 HighBridge Compnay

Critic reviews

"Martin meticulously describes the painting's creation and context [and] focuses on the controversies that haunted the canvas for decades." (Publishers Weekly)

Two stories intertwined

I was one of Russell’s classmates in Barcelona. I, too, consider Angel Vilalta to be one of the most interesting people I have ever known. Kudos to Russell for introducing him to a wider audience and using his story to show the reality of the Civil War and the Franco regime. Because I lived there I can attest to the emotions Spaniards feel towards Guernica. Russell, thanks for another great story.

Recommend

Good pacing, interesting. easy to follow, well read. ,lots of new details about the painting.

Great mix of art and history

This book tells the story of one of Picasso's most famous paintings and provides the context for understanding its origin and importance. Don't be scared away by the Spanish history that serves as background -- it all ties into World War II and makes for a fascinating backdrop for the story of Guernica, its creation, reception and place in the world.
Great stuff!
Winters

one of the best books I have listened to/read

This is one of the best books I have listened to/read. The story of the painting itself is fascinating. On top of that, the book is well researched, well-written and read. Highly recommended.

Engaging

Dance across the decades of Picasso’s life, the life of his famous painting, and the town life of Guernica
Sprinkled in are universal truths about war, peace, life and human nature
Well researched, well written, and well read
Thoroughly enjoyed it!